The University for Development Studies (UDS) is taking a bold stand against campus sexual harassment through the launch of a groundbreaking international research initiative. On November 5, 2024, a team of researchers met with UDS Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan, to unveil the ambitious project, which aims to address the pervasive issue of sexual harassment within higher education institutions.

The initiative brings together an interdisciplinary team from UDS, Igbinedion University in Nigeria, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business in Austria. The research is spearheaded by Prof. Evelyn Lyose Umemezia from Igbinedion University, with Dr. Esther Amako leading the UDS team and Prof. Maria-Therese Claes representing Vienna. Their collective efforts will focus on identifying the root causes of campus sexual harassment, developing effective interventions, and empowering victims to speak out.

Building Safe and Inclusive Campuses
Presenting the project overview, Prof. Umemezia expressed her gratitude for UDS’s partnership and praised the university’s proactive involvement.

"This project is crucial in addressing the pervasive issue of campus sexual harassment," she said. "By working together, we can create a culture of respect, inclusivity, and empathy on campuses worldwide."

In his response, Prof. Seidu Al-Hassan reaffirmed UDS’s commitment to fostering a safe academic environment.
"We are steadfast in ensuring such acts are addressed at their roots," he said. "As a reflection of society, university communities would experience these acts, but it is up to us to curb them while protecting victims by listening to them and assisting them."

The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the project aligns with UDS’s mandate of community-centered education and the university’s focus on impactful interdisciplinary research. He highlighted the role of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IIR) in promoting initiatives that serve societal needs.

"This university values research that serves community development, and we are proud to support initiatives that align with this mission," he added.

A Global Vision with Local Insights
The project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The research will delve into the complex causes of sexual harassment, propose victim-support policies, and create interventions to foster inclusive campuses.

Dr. Esther Amako, head of the UDS team, noted that understanding the local context is crucial for impactful recommendations.

"The findings from this research will be crucial for policymakers, university administrators, and stakeholders," she said. "Our recommendations are expected to serve as a benchmark for creating a harassment-free environment across higher education institutions, positioning UDS as a leader in promoting safe and inclusive learning spaces."

Engaging the University Community
Following their meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, the research team engaged with key stakeholders, including UDS student leadership, the counseling unit, the Dean of Students, and gender-focused NGOs. These consultations aim to deepen the team’s understanding of local challenges and ensure their findings are practical and actionable.

The project also serves as an opportunity for mutual knowledge exchange between international partners, fostering innovative solutions to a shared global challenge.

UDS at the Forefront of Change
With this initiative, UDS reinforces its position as a leader in addressing societal issues through research and collaboration. The university is taking concrete steps toward creating a harassment-free academic environment that promotes respect and inclusivity for all.

Story by: Sumaila Mohammed and Abdul-Rahman Rashida, UDS Media